Mervyn "Merv" L. Schliefert

Mervyn LeRoy Schliefert, known to friends as "Merv," passed away on August 1, 2017 at Tiffany Square Center in Grand Island, surrounded by family at the age of 82, 2 months and 23 days. A celebration of life will be held at 10:30 am Friday, August 4, 2017 at First United Methodist Church in Kearney. The Reverend Alan Davis will officiate. Interment will be at the Geneva Cemetery in Geneva, Nebraska at 2 pm. Visitation will be from 5-7 pm Thursday at O’Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral Home in Kearney. Memorials suggested to Kearney’s First United Methodist Church or Habitat for Humanity in Merv’s name. Merv was born in Aurora, NE on May 9, 1935 to Aaron and Gladys (Otte Mau) Schliefert as an only child. He grew up in Omaha and graduated from Benson High School in 1953 as a Benson Bunny. He graduated from University of Nebraska-Lincoln in 1957 and earned a Master’s Degree from Iowa State in Animal Husbandry, while serving in the Army Reserves as a Lieutenant Colonel for 29 years. In 1957, Merv would meet his wife, Beverly. They later formed a union in 1958 to which 5 children were born. Merv's career took them to various locations across the country, but in 1983 they settled in Kearney, NE where they would spend most of their lives. After his retirement from farmland appraisal and loan lending, Merv became extremely active by volunteering and supporting local events. There are too many to name them all, but some Merv was passionate about included Habitat for Humanity, Kiwanis, United Methodist Men, singing (or sleeping) in the church choir, attending events at the Merryman, Lied, and Community Theatre, etc. These things, amongst many, earned him Kearney's Humanitarian of the Year in 2003. Merv was very proud of his grandchildren and never missed an opportunity to make them his special waffles, attend their events, or try to share his appreciation of classical music with them. He and Bev were world travelers, visiting numerous places, such as Thailand, Panama, Alaska, and Taipei. His other hobbies included photography and listening to the stock market or news. Merv is survived by his wife of 59 years, Bev, children Roger Schliefert of Grand Island, David Schliefert of Grand Island, Doug Schliefert and wife Jodi of Grand Island, and Linda Dixon of Central City. He leaves behind 6 grandchildren Josh, Michael, Megan, Courtney, Chloe & Sarah, as well as 3 great grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his infant son, Dennis.

Mervyn "Merv" L. Schliefert

May 9, 1935 - August 1, 2017